End of the PEP?

[po8crg]

There are a lot of PEP-derived EMUs around on our railway, but it seems that nearly all of them are listed to be replaced: Merseyrail is tendering for a replacement for the 507s and 508s, the 315s are to be replaced by 345s and 707s, most of the 313s by 700/2s.

That would just leave the 313s that operate the Coastways and the Glasgow 314s.

Does that mean that the PEPs are on their way out entirely, or are these 100+ units headed for one of the newly-electrified routes (assuming any of the electrification ever completes, of course).

 

[Domh245]

The 314s are also not long for this earth, they are going to be replaced by AT200 before the end of the franchise. That does just leave the 313/2s. There is no real issue with scrapping them now, they've put in a decent turn and are now coming to end of life. Couple that with a lot of Mk3 stock also being released and Bombardiers never ending 387 line and there just isn't really the demand for them.

 

[RichmondCommu]

Not so long a go there was speculation on the forum's that they could head to the Welsh Valleys. Though Heaven knows when they will be electrified.

 

[nlogax]

Does that mean that the PEPs are on their way out entirely, or are these 100+ units headed for one of the newly-electrified routes (assuming any of the electrification ever completes, of course).

Am guessing 455/7s will be around for a while longer yet so PEP trailers could live on..bit of a halfway house, I know!

 

[Domh245]

Am guessing 455/7s will be around for a while longer yet so PEP trailers could live on..bit of a halfway house, I know!

There are also the 2 translator wagons ex 508207 in a similar(ish) vein

 

[theblackwatch]

It has to be remembered that these 'PEP' type EMUs are now knocking on for 40 years old - they have lasted longer than many of the Mk.1 (and even Mk.2) type EMU stock. They've served the railway well, but perhaps now it's time to move on. I do hope that one or two get saved to represent that era of commuter travel for future generations to see.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

It has to be remembered that these 'PEP' type EMUs are now knocking on for 40 years old - they have lasted longer than many of the Mk.1 (and even Mk.2) type EMU stock. They've served the railway well, but perhaps now it's time to move on. I do hope that one or two get saved to represent that era of commuter travel for future generations to see.

I may have mentioned this before - but I seem to recall that 313001 may be a contender for York (first in class as a dual voltage unit in any case)

In their day , when new and shiny , they were a transformation from the slam door fleets they replaced (not a popular comment for the deep supporters of 4SUB and 4EPB etc units I appreciate) - the slammers had an honourable place in commuting history.

 

[jopsuk]

The introduction to service of the 313s was 40 years ago this year 40 years of service on the Moorgate line. That's rather impressive

 

[Islineclear3_1]

To mark 40 years, I think 313.201 should be returned to BR blue and grey livery as introduced in 1976 and live out its last days as such before being handed over to the NRM. Not sure though if they could use a whole unit due to space constraints.

 

[edwin_m]

I always thought these were some of the best looking units, much simpler than a 310/312 and actually looking as if they had been designed rather than just having miscellaneous bits bolted on like the Mk1 slammers that preceded them or the 317s that followed.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

The introduction to service of the 313s was 40 years ago this year 40 years of service on the Moorgate line. That's rather impressive

It is impressive - and the GN electrification was a very welcome boost for BR at the time -when things were looking fairly drab to say the least.Going from miserable loco hauled non compartment stock or awful Cravens DMU's to a 313 must have been a commuters dream. (yes - there were some technical issues to start with -) - the 313's and 507/ 508's have done a good and honest job.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Are there any PEP units in preservation? If there isn't are there any good candidates for preservation?

 

[nlogax]

The introduction to service of the 313s was 40 years ago this year 40 years of service on the Moorgate line. That's rather impressive

On YT there's some lovely footage of them as brand new on the GN in 1976, taken from a railtour at the time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvadOyyRM3s

 

[nuneatonmark]

I grew up less than a mile from the ecml and remember very well the introduction of the great northern electrics, they were truly transformational so I do have a soft spot for the 313s.

 

[antharro]

I've always rather liked all of that type. Spent a fair amount of time on the 315s and 317s from Broxbourne and Hertford East back in the mid 2000s and aside from the pink interiors, found them to be good reliable units. I can't ever remember one failing, thought they must have done at some point. Certainly prefer them to the newer units introduced on the line.

I would be surprised if a few of them weren't put into warm store somewhere for use in Wales, when that eventually happens. It would certainly keep the electrification cost down to use these, at least to start with; they could be replaced with new a couple of years down the line.

 

[Southsider]

Are there any PEP units in preservation? If there isn't are there any good candidates for preservation?

Not a PEP but for me, the real tragedy is that this beauty wasn't preserved having gone to the trouble of restoring it. Preserving electrics in a running condition is always going to be a problem.

https://youtu.be/h_5D45T8Vzw

 

[cjmillsnun]

It has to be remembered that these 'PEP' type EMUs are now knocking on for 40 years old - they have lasted longer than many of the Mk.1 (and even Mk.2) type EMU stock. They've served the railway well, but perhaps now it's time to move on. I do hope that one or two get saved to represent that era of commuter travel for future generations to see.

Roughly the same age as the HST, which will be in service for a few more years yet, thanks to ScotRail.

 

[zn1]

to be honest 313-315 are too good for scrapping they are still solid emus, it will be a shame if none of the preservation businesses take some on units on...

 

[TheEdge]

to be honest 313-315 are too good for scrapping they are still solid emus, it will be a shame if none of the preservation businesses take some on units on...

The problem with preserving a unit like them is what do with it once you have it. One in the NRM, but then what, there are obviously no private lines to run it on and I don't see a 313 railtour business taking off!

 

[childwallblues]

I remember before the 507s were delivered at least 2 x 313s (313003 and 313013) arrived at Kirkdale Depot for tests.

 

[birchesgreen]

The problem with preserving a unit like them is what do with it once you have it. One in the NRM, but then what, there are obviously no private lines to run it on and I don't see a 313 railtour business taking off!

Yes though i suppose at the worst they can be used as hauled stock

 

[Fincra5]

AFAIK the SN 313's are staying for a good old while... A fitter told me they were off for a C6 exam and modifications to be DDA compliant.